There’s something undeniably special about owning a heritage home. Whether it’s the high ceilings, ornate cornices, original timber floors, or that old sandstone façade, these places carry a charm that modern builds just can’t replicate.
But renovating one? That’s a whole different story.
Heritage homes can be a joy to restore, but they also come with a unique set of challenges. Before you start dreaming of open-plan kitchens and ensuite bathrooms, it’s important to understand what you’re working with and what you’re allowed to change.
Let’s break it down in plain language so you know exactly what to expect when renovating a heritage property in Sydney (or anywhere in Australia).
First Up: What Actually Counts as a Heritage Home?
Not every “old house” is officially considered heritage. A heritage home is one that’s been listed because of its historical, architectural, cultural, or social significance.
- In Australia, this could mean:
- It’s on the State Heritage Register
- It’s listed under your local council’s LEP (Local Environmental Plan)
- It’s in a conservation area (where the streetscape is protected, not just your home)
Even if your house isn’t individually heritage-listed, living in a conservation zone can still limit what you can do with the exterior of your property.
Need help checking the status of your home? A call to your local council or heritage advisor is a good place to start.
What You Can (and Can’t) Do
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you can’t touch anything in a heritage home. That’s not quite true, but it’s definitely not a free-for-all either.
What’s usually allowed:
- Restoring original features (like fireplaces, floorboards, windows)
- Updating bathrooms and kitchens (as long as they’re sympathetic to the home’s character)
- Repairing structural issues
- Painting and general maintenance
What might need approval:
- Knocking down internal walls
- Rear extensions
- Changes to the façade or street-facing elements
- Adding a second storey
- Replacing windows with modern designs
Bottom line: any significant change will likely need council or heritage approval. That’s where having the right team makes all the difference.
Tips for a Successful Heritage Renovation
If you want to bring an older home into the modern era, without losing its soul (or breaching council rules) here’s what we recommend:
1. Work with Heritage-Savvy Professionals
Not all builders or designers are experienced in heritage projects. Choose a team that knows the local council regulations and understands how to blend old with new.
At Ardent Construction, we’ve worked on dozens of heritage home restorations across Sydney, and we know the right questions to ask from day one.
2. Respect the Original Details
Those timber skirtings, ceiling roses or sash windows? They’re part of the home’s identity. Where possible, restore rather than replace. And if something has to go, try to replicate the original design and materials.
3. Expect the Unexpected
Old homes love surprises, and not always the good kind. You might uncover termite damage, outdated wiring, or hidden asbestos. It’s smart to allow a 10–20% buffer in your budget for things that pop up once the walls come off.
4. Blend Modern Comfort with Classic Style
You can have underfloor heating and double-glazed windows without losing the home’s heritage charm. The trick is to make sure modern additions are discreet and don’t fight the original architecture.
The Council Approval Process
Every local council has its own approach to heritage renovations. In most cases, you’ll need to submit a Development Application (DA), and possibly a Heritage Impact Statement explaining how your plans align with heritage guidelines.
This process can feel daunting if you’ve never done it before, but it doesn’t have to be. Our project management team can handle all of this for you, from preparing the right documents to liaising with council staff and heritage consultants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best-intentioned homeowners can run into trouble if they’re not careful. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping council approval: This can lead to major delays, fines, or even having to undo completed work.
- Over-modernising: Adding ultra-modern features that clash with period architecture can harm both the aesthetic and resale value.
- Using cheap or mismatched materials: These stick out like a sore thumb and can reduce the heritage value.
- Hiring a generic builder: Heritage work requires a different skillset; it’s not like building from scratch.
How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a Heritage Home?
There’s no easy answer but generally, heritage renovations cost more than standard projects.
Why?
- Labour is more specialised
- Materials often need to be custom-made or sourced carefully
- Council compliance adds extra admin and planning
In Sydney, budget at least $3,000–$5,000 per square metre for significant heritage renovations. That number can go up quickly if structural work or specialist restoration is involved.
To get a more accurate idea, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll talk you through your options and help you plan a realistic, well-managed budget.
Frequently Asked Questions – Renovating a Heritage Home
Yes, in most cases. Even minor changes can require a Development Application (DA) or Heritage Impact Statement. Your local council will need to review plans to ensure they align with heritage protection guidelines.
Generally, yes. Interiors are often more flexible than exteriors when it comes to renovations — especially if you’re keeping original details like mouldings or floorboards. Bathrooms and kitchens can usually be modernised with fewer restrictions.
It usually is. Labour is more specialised, and you may need to use custom materials or traditional techniques. You should also factor in the time and cost of getting council approvals.
It depends on the listing type and your local council’s rules. Some elements (like rear additions or non-original extensions) might be negotiable. A heritage architect or builder can help assess what’s possible.
Heritage renovations often take longer than standard builds due to council processes and the extra care involved in restoration. Timelines can range from several months to over a year, depending on the complexity.